New York Liberty squeezed out a win against the Las Vegas Aces with a 75-71 victory in front of a sold-out crowd at Barclays Center on Sept. 8.
From tip-off, New York fans brought the energy while the dominating athletes of Liberty brought prowess, showcasing their strength against the reigning WNBA champions. Sunday’s dub was Liberty’s third match-up and third win against the team this season. The Aces put the pressure on Liberty, but the Brooklyn team came out on top after a final quarter that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Liberty established dominance in the first half, leading 45-33 at halftime. On the other hand, the Aces struggled with foul-heavy play in the first half, much to the team’s frustration.
Sandy Brondello, head coach for Liberty, called it a “highly physical competition.” Breanna Stewart led New York’s offense, finishing with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Her performance became particularly impressive when she took the plays up a notch in the second quarter.
Stewart’s defensive skills were also on full display as she blocked a potential game-tying layup from Jackie Young with just five seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Liberty. Sabrina Ionescu, another standout for New York, contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists while extending her impressive streak of consecutive games scoring over ten points to 33.
Another key player, Jonquel Jones, contributed 15 points on efficient shooting, eight rebounds, and four assists. Her notable achievement of recording 500 career assists makes her one of the fastest players in WNBA history to reach that mark.
Liberty’s blend of offensive leads and defensive determination was critical. They maintained control throughout the game, even when the Aces attempted a comeback after the West Coast team was down 20 points.
Despite missing A’ja Wilson, their key scorer and defensive player, who was out with an ankle injury, the Aces rallied in the fourth quarter, executing a 19-2 run that had the Liberty sweating as the clock wound down. The Aces’ competitive spirit kept fans on the edge, demonstrating why they are the defending champions. However, New York’s strong foundation prevailed as they held on for the win.
For Liberty fans, the reaffirmed their team’s resolve and determination for a championship run. As they prepare for their next challenge against the Dallas Wings, their record now stands at 29-6, and fans are feeling excited as the playoffs approach.
